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As the capital of China and the world’s third largest city, Beijing is a must visit for many travellers indulging in one of our Trans-Siberian trips to China. Thanks to its compelling and complex history, Beijing offers plenty to do and see. In fact, the sheer number of...

“…the architecture is outlandish, the landscaping is outstanding and the views are breathtaking.” Michał Murawski, The Calvert Journal. Last week’s introduction to Zaryadye concerned its sculpted landforms, the hybrid forest in miniature and the organically-contoured lacing...

No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without a visit to the world famous Victoria Peak. Known simply as ‘The Peak’ to locals, Victoria Peak provides a stunning view of the equally iconic Victoria Harbour, as well as a captivating look across the remainder of Hong Kong Island....

I heard about Zaryadye Park from a Moscow contact, who mentioned his visit with a friend – when the latter was back in town. He reported that a whole day cannot do this remarkable new space justice, and I was intrigued. Running the numbers Opened in September 2017, this is...

The Trans-Siberian express is an iconic and memorable way of travelling across Asia. However, some people imagine cramped cabins and uncomfortable conditions aboard, putting them off taking this once-in-a-lifetime journey. Here, at Russia Experience, we’re determined to change...

Here, in the final part of my conversation with ‘V’, he shows me how history repeats itself and that in spite of the incoming future – a stubborn past refuses to let go. Here comes the Tsar “The public think the the Tsar is always (concerned) about the needs of the people....

Tea drinking is ingrained in Chinese culture, a fact that makes a visit to a traditional tea house an important part of many travellers’ itineraries. Like any experience, however, being aware of the etiquette rules that the locals live by is particularly important. Read on, to...

“Farewell, farewell, unwashed Russia, The land of slaves, the land of lords, And you, blue uniforms of gendarmes, And you, obedient to them folks.” So reads the first verse of a poem by Mikhail Lermontov, relating to his 1837 exile to the Caucuses. ‘V’ has brought it...

When it comes to travelling, eating as the locals do provides a vital insight into the wider culture of your chosen destination. Chinese cuisine is particularly diverse, thanks to the country’s vast size and long history. As a traveller to China you’ll be overwhelmed by the...

‘V’ is a Russian citizen with enough insight and life experience to offer an interesting perspective on ‘the way things are’, and the way they came to be. I’m always interested in presenting contrasting opinions on Russian life from those who have experienced it. Your views...

The Himalayan region of Tibet has a fraught relationship with nearby China. China has long claimed sovereignty over the territory, and the debate rages on about Tibet’s status. Now governed as an autonomous region of China, travelling to this remote country is on ma...

This is the third and final part of my conversation with ‘C’ a senior Russian citizen whose life experience has, to date, spanned the latter part of the Communist era, it’s disintegration and the optimism, disillusionment, and chaos that has followed up to the present day. This...

Based just a hop, skip, and a jump over the Chinese border, Vietnam provides the perfect excuse to extend your China trip. As Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi is a great place to visit and the ideal way to top off your carefully planned itinerary. There are a number of reasons why Hanoi...

Following on from last week’s introductory talk with ‘C’, a senior Russian citizen who has lived through much domestic change and drama, we continue exploring his views and experience of Russian life. It’s refreshing to bypass extensive media processing and hear words directly...

Home to stunning scenery and picture-perfect towns, Guilin offers some respite from the chaos of China’s bigger cities. Although it doesn’t offer the same off-the-beaten-track appeal it once did, the countryside that surrounds Guilin city centre is still popular with would-be...

Can you listen to a point of view that contradicts your own assumptions? Can you tolerate and even learn from it? What if the lesson isn’t about the abject truth, or even a version of the “truth” that you find palatable? What happens when you realise that “truth” happened far...